"The Northwest has become one of the strongest markets for nurturing innovative, sustainable businesses, says Alan Durning, executive director of the Sightline Institute, a nonprofit research group here. “In the mental geography of the American mind, the Northwest stands for nature,” he says. “It attracts and retains folks who have a strong affinity for our natural heritage.”"
Finding New Life (and Profit) in Doomed Trees http://matr.net/articl ... .html

US angel investor Bill Payne honoured in New Zealand"Somebody said he might have helped bring our industry ahead by five years. They [the Ice Angel board] wanted to do something significant for their network because they were so impressed with what Bill contributed." Andrew Hamilton, chief executive of the The Icehouse

Funding and Building your Business

Technology Basics for Business f you're just starting out, it's quite possible that you're feeling overwhelmed by the amount of technology you'll need to run your business efficiently and professionally. I asked Ramon Ray, editor of SmallBizTechnology.com, to offer some pointers. He says every small business needs the basics:

Broadband Stimulus Projects Need Oversight, Report SaysWith a deadline looming to approve the awards, the report stated, they lack "detailed data on the availability of broadband service throughout the country, making it difficult to determine whether a proposed service area is unserved or underserved, as defined in the program funding notices."

Finding New Life (and Profit) in Doomed TreesThe company, Meyer Wells, has thrived. It’s been profitable from the start, Mr. Wells says, and revenue has grown annually; it reached $850,000 last year, and the business partners say they’re on track to top $1 million this year.